Northwest Corridor 2012 PMSL Playoffs Champions

N.W.C. officially Northwest Corridor won the 2012 league title with an 11-6 victory over Sky & Sky. This was after narrowly missing out on winning the regular season title which went to The Kings following a last week of the season doubleheader sweep. After a hot start NWC finished the regular season with a 21-7 record and finished with 25 total wins. All franchise bests………..by a landslide!

It took 11 seasons for NWC to capture their 1st title. However the origins of this team can almost be traced back 20 years. As teenagers, many friends around various Pikesville and Owings Mills neighborhoods would gather together to play pickup sports. Some of us gifted athletes, we were all baseball fans, not baseball players, but it was easier to throw together impromptu basketball, or soccer or beach volleyball pickup games. So, we started playing in a softball game pickup league every Wednesday evening at Wellwood Elementary School where Larry Ott ran a fun community pickup game. To some of our surprises, we had a great nucleus of softball players who could actually field and hit at an above average clip. Fast forward to our early 20’s and many of us still played in pickup games but others had graduated to various slow pitch social leagues around Baltimore City and County. Being competitive and thriving off of real team competition and challenges, these leagues just weren’t cutting it for the majority of us. We needed more………..So, Howard Goldberg went out and tried to hook up with a team on the fly in some league he had seen playing at Pikesville Middle School & Pikesville High School. Apparently that’s just not how the league worked as no one was willing to give this young guy a shot on the fly. One of the bottom feeder teams (I believe they had 2 or 3 wins in 2000 or 2001) needed an extra player and let Goldberg play…..as a DH only. Not good enough to play the field. In his 1st ever AB Goldberg struck out. 2nd AB a fly ball out to right center (although kind of deep and not a bad hit). Thus the chip on his shoulder was born and no existing team was interested in recruiting his services. At about the same time good friend Eric Wingrat (of Flowers & Fancies fame) had the same thoughts. Let’s form our own team in a really competitive league. He had researched the PMSL and contacted Mike Herr. Goldberg & Wingrat put together a team of their friends and entered into the PMSL in the Spring of 2002 as Mt Washington Tavern.

We were the butt of the league, a real doormat……but we had tons of fun. Every game we played our asses off and had fun doing it. We didn’t have an experienced modified pitcher or any real baseball player on the team. The Kings beat us 23-4 in 4 innings and 16-1 in 4 innings in our first every doubleheader. Our 2nd weekend against Palmgard we were defeated 15-0 and 20-0, also both in 4 innings. It took a month into the season before we realized that we actually played 7 inning games. Our highlights for the season each week contained comments about team mates running into trees or getting ejected in the middle of at bats. On the old “Fenway” field at Pikesville Middle School we were so bad that we played with 3 outfielders in left field. Two at the base of the hill and one player played at the top of Fenway, almost at the school. Year #2 we regressed even more and had just one win the entire season. That one win came officially after the season as there was a “play-in” game for the 9th & 10th place teams while the rest of the league was playing in the Playoff Round one games. It was a pleasure to go out there and compete, it was fun playing with a great group of friends. It felt like little league all over again. Something happened in 2004, our team was still losing but we were finally really hitting the ball (well some of us) we also had gone through some roster changes as some friends dropped off the team and were replaced by more active softball players. However, Goldberg kept the same basic unwritten rule for the roster – we don’t heavily recruit ringers and whoever plays with us has to have team chemistry and fit in the NWC family or we don’t need them. In order to get better we had to take our reps losing and know what that feels like. When you have continued reps on the mound, in the field and at the plate without the pressure to win…..you start to get a lot better. By 2005 we were up to 9 wins, not very good by most of the league’s team’s standards but a step in the right direction for NWC. We even got our 1st playoff win and 1st upset. This would be the start of a new reputation amongst the league………..NWC steps it up in the playoffs, you don’t want to play them. 2006 we were up to 11 wins and once again pulled an upset over a top #4 team in the playoffs advancing to round #3 for the 1st time. 2008 we knocked off the #2 seeded team in the 1st round, 2010 again we beat the #2 seed in the playoffs and in 2011 we knocked off the #1 seeded squad in the playoffs. Our intensity in the playoffs each year had yet to truly translate into the regular season and we stayed inconsistent throughout the long regular season schedule. We knew that NWC were good enough to beat anyone but the rest of the league didn’t know that yet and we still didn’t truly have the respect of our opponents. Until we have a breakthrough we’ll still be the doormat of the league in many of our opponents eyes. Along the way we would lose a player each year and add an upgrade every season. Changes were made slowly and deliberately to the roster until 2012 came rolling along and it looked like we were ready for our breakthrough.

The 2012 NWC team scored 294 runs while compiling a 21-7 regular season record and securing 2nd place. We did this after learning that 2011 batting leader Jeff Kurland would miss the entire season with a knee injury and pitcher Mark Yokel a veteran of several championship games and titles would also miss the entire season. This championship team is full of PMSL veterans and a few newcomers although the team chemistry was superior all season. You’d think this squad had been playing together for a decade. We went through the highs of winning streaks and come from behind victories to the lows of a late season let down, in team family fights and player injuries. All along the way we knew that we were good enough to go to the championship.


2012 NWC Championship Members:

· Adam Silverman (3B) – Adam (Doc) is a rock at 3rd base and a pitcher’s best friend with his glove. He batted .472 and drew 13 walks on the season. An NWC player since 2006 Adam has been a presence in the middle of the lineup since his 1st game 6 years ago. He was amongst the team leaders in almost every offensive category.

· Brad Rosenberg (SS) – (BRRR) the only player besides Goldberg not to miss a week this season. Brad scored 25 runs and knocked in 23 RBI. He constantly made hard hit groundballs in the hole look like routine plays. Brad joined the team in 2007 after having already played for 3 different franchises. He finally found a home and his best fit with his 4th. In addition to his contributions on offense and with his glove, Brad also makes sure the team is never void of fresh cherries and peanuts

· Howard Goldberg (P) – (HoGo, Maximus) the team manager and career franchise leader in most offensive categories. Goldberg enjoyed a great season on the mound earning 17 of the 21 team wins this year. Despite battling numerous injuries and having his former power zapped some this year, Goldberg batted .543 with 50 hits, 34 rbi and 37 runs scored. His 78 total bases were a team high. Goldberg introduced the Dill Pickles sunflower seeds to the team a few years back. Some believe this can also be traced back to the exact time that the team became more competitive on the field.

· Scott Snyder (1b) – (Chip, Chipper) Snyder was coaxed out of retirement and out of his job as head umpire in 2011 to help a struggling NWC team. 2012 was his 1st full season as a member and after adjusting to the squad in 2011 he became a leader both on and off the field for NWC in 2012. Scott batted .530 with 29 rbi’s and played the best defensive 1st base in the entire league. His ability to hit line drives in key situations was crucial to our success in the playoffs. No one was hotter at the plate down the stretch.

· Jon Goldman (OF/C/2B) – (Blaze) Goldman is an original NWC member, he had a stint away from the team years ago to play football and a short tenure living in Tennessee. NWC’s former starting SS, Goldman’s athleticism allows him to play any position on the field and is an invaluable utility asset in that respect. Goldman drew 9 walks and had 5 sac flys this season, always doing his part to advance a runner or get on base. Jon had two clutch rbi hits in the final game.

· Jon Herbst (OF) – Jon had 42 regular season hits to a clip of .494. He also drew 11 walks from the leadoff spot and often sparked NWC offensive rallies. Jon is the all time franchise leader in bases on bases with 100 walks taken in 566 ab’s. He’s also been extremely important as an assistant GM to the from office helping bring in new players to the NWC franchise.

· Matt Bell (2B) – ( ma bell) Bell joined the NWC franchise in 2003. He previously had played in finals games with his father Paul’s squad. Bell is 2nd on the career walks list with 83 in 599 ab’s. He’s also nearing the top 5 franchise hits leaders with 225. Matt made several outstanding catches at 2B in the playoffs to end opponent’s rally and kill momentum. The chant “ring my bell” was recently retired after Aaron Birenbaum’s departure from the team.

· Trevor Walzl (OF) – Trevor was a new addition to the NWC family in 2012. A star football & baseball player at North Carroll High School, Trevor decided to join the squad while he was away from College. He made his mark on the league in his very 1st game putting a ball over the fence in centerfield off of Larry Newman. Trevor was the MVP at the plate and in the field during the playoffs. He had two go ahead rbi hits, made numerous diving catches in left field and went 4-4 in the championship game with 3 extra base hits. In 60 ab’s Trevor batted .433 with 24 rbi

· Brian Jarosinski (OF) – Brian was another new addition to the team this year. He had very briefly played for The Raptors a few seasons ago. Brian enjoyed a stellar baseball career as a Terp at College Park but decided to take the softball plunge this year. He batted .541 with 20 rbi 40 total bases in only 37 regualr season ab’s. Brian gelled with his team mates right off the bat and became a valuable asset to the team and a great team mate. He’s already leading the charge to repeat next year and start an NWC dynasty.

· Gabe Unterman (OF) – An original member of the NWC (mt Washington tavern) team. Unterman like Goldman had also taken a year or two off from the squad for personal reasons a few seasons back. Gabe batted .455 with 20 rbi and 14 runs scored in 44 ab’s during the 2012 regular season. He currently stands at #6 on the NWC all time hits list. Gabe usually mans the tricky RF position but is often called upon to play LF and CF. Gabe tracks down those tricky RF sliced balls that go for extra bases against most of our opponents. Gabe is also master of the hype video and originator of the team visor.

· Matt Silverman (OF) – Matt’s patience at the plate this season was invaluable, leading the squad in bases on balls with 14 during the regular season. The “Big Perm” first joined the franchise in 2008. He served as NWC pitcher during one of Goldberg’s many long stints on the injured list a couple seasons ago. Matt unfortunately suffered a debilitating hamstring injury in the playoffs and his season was ended abruptly. The Big Perm is the keeper of the coveted team tent

· Scott Sweren (OF) – (swwwweeerrrrnn) Sweren’s season was cut short this year due to an unfortunate injury. Scott had hip surgery mid-way through the season and was present on crutches to support the squad in the finals. Before his injury Scott was enjoying a resurgent season leading the team in batting, going .545 with 30 hits in 55 ab’s from the #2 spot. Scott is 2nd on the franchise’s career hits list with 268 despite missing half of this season and all of last season with a knee injury. His .474 career avg is 3rd in franchise history just behind David Stein (.476) & Goldberg (.502). Sweren also had 24 rbi and 28 runs scored before his season ending injury

· Ted Winner (P) – “teddy ballgame” “buddy bell” – was an NWC member in 2007. His triumphant return to the team came after having offseason surgeries. Teddy was eased back into the lineup during the 1st half of the season but was a true force at the end of the year for NWC. His pitching experience was invaluable and he looked downright dominant at times. His performance in a 1st round playoff game against The Stingers was historically dominant and set the tone for the rest of the playoffs for the squad. 7IP 1ER 4Hits 4K’s 0BB against The Stingers in a playoff round #1 win. Teddy’s wit and inappropriate joke cracking is a welcomed change of pace for our team and a great form of annoyance to our opponents.

· Chris Ammann ( C) – Chris played for the last place expansion team Hammerheads (Natty O’s) last season. he may be the 1st player in league history to finish last in his 1st season and win the title in his 2nd. Chris had 10 rbi’s in 61 ab’s and enjoyed the tough task of blocking Goldberg’s and Winner’s fastballs in the dirt all season. another great offseason addition to the squad to form the great team chemistry that was crucial for a championship. Chris also takes the best pictures in franchise history.

· Jeff Kurland (OF/IN) – Jeff missed the entire 2012 season after injuring his knee just one week before the start of the regular season. Last season’s batting leader is a team leader both on and off of the field. His league experience was also invaluable during the playoffs, acting as manager, coach and inspirational leader. Kurland’s intensity and skills at the leadoff position were greatly missed this season.

· Ben Herbst (OF/IN) – Jon’s brother first filled in for the squad back in 2007. Having moved back to Baltimore this summer Herbst’s speed and athleticism was a much needed addition to the team. In 41 ab’s Herbst had 26 total bases and batted .415 with 14 rbi’s. the phrase “Be A Herbst” was coined after a ben home run earlier in the regular season.

· Mike Bowden (OF) – Mike’s services weren’t needed in the championship playoff run this season but he was a big part of getting us to the 2nd seed in the standings. Mike served as our top alternate all year and batted .412 with 9 rbi in limited time.

· Other players that helped contribute to wins this season were Joe Kramer, Joe Brand, Aaron Birenbaum, Bradley Garfield and Bob Miller. Special thanks goes out to “The Glue” (Traci Mathena) who’s expertise as a score keeper, co-manager, hitting coach were keys to NWC’s success. Traci was usually the only NWC spectator and supporter in the early days of the franchise and she acted as scorekeeper, hitting coach, co-manager, psychiatrist, diplomat, peacemaker and baby sitter at various times. Thanks to Joey Sweren who also has taken on score keeper duties in recent years.

Approximately 77 different players have stepped onto the softball diamond over the years to help NWC win ballgames. I’d like to thank all of our former team mates and those who came out to help fill in as alternates over the years. Here’s a list of every player (that I can remember):

NWC PLAYERS:

Howard Goldberg
Eric Wingrat
Lee Pollak
David Stein
Jon Goldman
Howard Zayon
Jon Lamb
Joey Liner
Scott Landsman
Jason Ott
Larry Ott
Gabe Unterman
Joe Uddeme
Chad Birenbaum
Jason Abosch
Amit Nadiv
Aaron Birenbaum
Dave Laufer
Maurice Rozencwaig
Mike Lynch
Holden Berlin
Matt Bell
Scott Sweren
Ross Gomer
Kenya Merritt
Michael Stein
Jeff Luna
John Hummel
Eric Szper
Paul Bell
Tony Esposito
Brad Starabin
Brian R
Jed Zellweger
Jake Zellweger
Billy Beadle
Terry Lanciotti
Dave Michaelson
Eric Radom
Don
John –
Jon Herbst
Adam Silverman
Josh Rogers
Lonnie Greenberg
Mike Silverman
Mark Roy
Joe Campanella
Ben Herbst
Chris Canosa
Ted Winner
Brad Rosenberg
Jay Rendin
Cory Zajdel
Matt Silverman
Don Lichay
Darryl Holmes
Josh Katz
Matt Frosolone
Brad Marcus
Bill Mortorff
John Brandt
Zach Scherr
Jeff Kurland
Mark Yokel
Steve Hayes
Josh Deckelbaum
Scott Snyder
Mike Bowden
Johnny Edelman
Trevor Walzl
Chris Ammann
Brian Jarosinksi
Bob Miller
Bradley Garfield
Joe Kramer
Joe Brand

Look out PMSL we’re trying to repeat next year!!!

-Howard Goldberg

N.W.C.